(The International Brotherhood of Teamsters issued the following news release on May 3.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 75 rank-and-file Teamsters will add extra strength to future organizing campaigns after participating in a two-day extensive training seminar in Chicago.
Local 710 hosted the volunteer organizing seminar at their union hall on April 30 and May 1 to provide workers with skills, knowledge and connections to participate in organizing campaigns.
“We can no longer afford to take organizing for granted. We have to have the involvement of concerned workers if we are going to be successful in our campaigns,” said John T. Coli, Teamsters Joint Council 25 President. “The need to organize is especially great now, as attacks intensify against organized labor.”
The rank-and-file members are now part of the Teamsters Volunteer Organizer Committee (VOC). The VOC consists of union members who volunteer for the union during organizing campaigns. Volunteers may assist campaigns by visiting workers at their homes, distributing leaflets and attending meetings.
“The Teamsters are tapping into the most valuable organizing asset—its membership—for organizing purposes,” said Patrick W. Flynn, Local 710 Secretary-Treasurer and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Central Region Vice President. “The active members are beneficial to an organizing campaign because they have already gained organizing experience through the development of their own local unions.”
In addition to training sessions, the members received hands-on experience by taking part in a current Local 710 organizing campaign. The rank-and-file members hit the streets of Chicago and made house calls to workers who had expressed an interest in joining the union.
“The door-to-door campaigning was very effective. It is a more personal approach in sending our message,” said Harry Haynes, a Yellow Transportation dockman for 18 years and a Local 710 Union Steward for 6 years. “I can’t promise these unorganized workers everything—it is up to them. We have to work together to get a better workplace.”
During the house calling, the members shared their own union experiences and listened to the workers’ concerns and issues.
“I can relate to these workers, because some of my jobs before Yellow Transportation were nonunion jobs,” said Mike Hilliard, 15-year Yellow Transportation Road Driver and Local 710 Member. “I understand the way the unorganized workers think because I remember what it was like before I worked at a union job.”
Other items covered in the seminar included the following:
— Stages of a campaign;
— Developing an effective message;
— One-on-one and assessment exercises; and
— House visit training.
“Membership participation is the key to the success of our organizing efforts,” said Chuck Baez, Local 710 Organizer. “Member testimonies are far more effective than any leaflet, newspaper advertisement or radio commercial. Their words will bring the Teamsters message loud and clear to thousands of unorganized workers.”